This weekend, if you take a stroll along the foreshore of Deception Bay you will see resident birds like the masked lap-wing, the silver gull, the ibis and the black-winged stilt making their way around the flats in search of food. But within the last two weeks international wading birds have started to arrive in the bay and the first of these visitors, the bar-tailed Godwit has now touched down after flying thousands of kilometres from their breeding grounds in Northern Asia and Alaska.

They can be seen busily probing the sand and mud with their long beaks filling up after their long and arduous journey. Incredibly, they lose half their body weight making the journey back to Australia, so it’s no wonder their first activity is to focus on feeding! They will stay In Moreton Bay over the spring and summer, feeding on the intertidal flats feeding on invertebrates including molluscs, worms and aquatic insects.

Many migrant wading birds are endangered, including the bar-tailed godwit. Relying on feeding grounds along the pathway they have lost vital coastal habitat along their flightpath across Asia as well as Australia. But it’s not just their feeding habitat being reduced; it’s also their roosting sites which are needed for them to recover from their journey as well as take refuge from high tides. Whilst in Moreton Bay they have to build up their fat reserves for the return journey to the Northern hemisphere and its quite a balancing act. They have to find the food to build up their condition, but they also have to manage their use of energy. This is why recovery areas are crucial to their survival.

So what can we do to help our international waders to recuperate in Moreton Bay? Well ensuring we don’t disturb them when they are feeding and making sure their roosting sites are secure is a good start. There is an international treaty known as Ramsar which was formed to protect wetlands across the globe and just 25 years ago, Moreton Bay was signed on to the convention due to its importance as an international wader site.

To celebrate 25 years of Moreton Bay as a part of the Ramsar convention, the Redcliffe Environmental Forum are hosting a Moreton Bay Wetlands Expo (proudly supported by the Moreton Bay Regional Council). The expo will be held on the Captain Cook Esplanade on the 21st October 2018 and will be highlighting the contribution of our wetlands, its wildlife and vegetation along with their value in protecting our international visitors. If you want a chance to see these birds in the wild and learn about them and our wetlands, I reckon a trip to Deception Bay is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Moreton Bay, summer home of the Bar-tailed Godwit!

I enjoyed a recent break at Coffin Bay in South Australia where the water temperature in the winter months is too cold for mangroves to survive. The bay is part of the western coast of the Eyre Peninsula and is characterised by rugged coastlines of sandstone, dominated by low woodlands, scrub and coastal heath. Like Moreton Bay and Hays Inlet, there are many sheltered inlets, where saltmarsh can dominate the higher intertidal zone.

In warmer areas, mangroves tend to dominate the coastal fringe and whenever there is enough tidal inundation they replace saltmarsh vegetation. But in Coffin Bay there are no mangroves, so the saltmarsh inhabits the edge of the tidal zone and thrives. One species (Tecticornia arbuscular) also known as the shrubby samphire can grow well over 2 meters in height and another samphire, the Thick-head Glasswort (Sarcocornia blackiana) is also common in the Coffin Bay saltmarshes and can grow to over a metre in height. These larger samphires appear to occupy the niche of the mangrove, so common in warmer waters.

Still there are also a number of familiar plants, which are common in the saltmarsh areas of Hays Inlet. They include the Beaded Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora), Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa var tomentosa),Seablite (Suaeda australis) and Marine Couch (Sporobolus virginicus). On the landward edge in Hays Inlet we can see stands of Melaleuca and Casuarina. Similarly, at the landward fringe in Coffin Bay there are stands of tea tree, known as Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca halmaturorum).

The birdlife in this coastal area also reflects the trends in the saltmarsh vegetation, some familiar to South Queensland and others characteristic of the southern temperate coastline. There are many of the same birds as Hays Inlet including Oystercatchers, Cormorants, Silver Gulls, Pelicans and the White-faced Heron. There are also other birds not seen in Moreton Bay that occupy the shorelines and coastal vegetation including the New Holland Honeyeater, the Red Wattlebird and the impressive Pacific Gull which looks like one of our seagulls on steroids.

​Coffin Bay and the Eyre Peninsula is a relatively isolated area of coastline and to visit the area certainly gives us a chance to reflect and appreciate the areas of wetlands we still have around Moreton Bay. Importantly it also gives us an idea of how saltmarsh would look without the Mangroves dominating the shoreline and the edges of our waterways. In our case, in Moreton Bay, we get to enjoy the best of both worlds, saltmarsh and mangrove forests!

On Sunday, a group of volunteers followed up on the work completed last month by our volunteers and contractors in a section of the Silcock Street Park where REF has been developing a new section of Koala habitat. The target area was a firebreak where a number of plants and trees were inundated with 2 metre tall grasses and vines. In just two hours with 8 workers we were able to clear away and mulch a significant area of planting and free up the local trees and ground cover. This was achieved by hacking out the grass clumps as well as hand pruning and digging out the weed vines and annuals.

The original plantings of local Eucalypt, Melaleuca and other associated species were carried out by volunteers with some significant work from the Green Army teams. The Green Army teams also spent significant time in controlling the weeds, allowing the young saplings to develop and thrive. The green Army scheme is no longer available and although the plantation area is developing rapidly with some trees already reaching 3 meters in height we still need to control weeds.

Some weeds, especially introduced grasses and vines (including Molasses and panic grasses) can cause real issues for the habitat as they can grow tall and thick and shade out any endemic plants. They can also be an issue as they burn with high heat and any fire would kill the trees as well as the understory. High dense grass also prevents koalas being able to access the trees and canopy. Therefore, controlling weeds is a priority if we are going to allow the plantation to mature and provide a safe and productive environment for koalas, and other wildlife associated with the park area.

The difference a couple of hours with a team of well-led volunteers can make to the quality of the rehabilitation site was astounding and emphasised the value of the Bush Care program. It’s truly amazing the impact an individual can make in such a short time. And to see some of the wildlife in the park and have a cup of tea afterwards is an added bonus, especially during the mild winter months. The next session is scheduled for 24th June 2018 and we would love to see you at Silcock Street Park at 7.30 am in the morning.

For further information on the Hays Inlet Bush Care Program you can click on the link below:

Saltmarsh is an endangered habitat and some of the reasons behind its fragility include weeds, development traffic including bikes and 4 wheel drives as well as predicted sea rise from climate change. Hays inlet still has some significant areas of saltmarsh which are important nursery sites for fish, provide habitat for wading birds, improves the water quality entering Moreton Bay and is one of the most effective habitats in storing carbon. REF Inc along with its partners has continued to work in these areas including removing some serious weeds from the landward buffer zones of Casuarina and Melaleuca.​Recently weeding work has been carried out in these buffer zones as well as a new set of saltmarsh transects being put in place to monitor the health of the saltmarsh vegetation. A recent high tide had receded when I noticed the channels between patches of marine couch and saltmarsh vegetation were full of snails. A closer inspection revealed that as well as snails many small fish had been trapped in the channels and with the tide receded were now in real danger of being desiccated.

When high tides inundate saltmarsh many fish move in with the water to take advantage and feed on the high levels of algae and detritus. Clearly this is a risky business for if they don’t retreat with the tide they risk being trapped on the saltmarsh. Without the tide, this is a harsh environment and really its invertebrates that do best in these conditions. The snails can close up shop by closing an operculum on their shell effectively creating a moist environment. They will often make their way to the base of surrounding vegetation in order to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Other invertebrates including mangrove whelks employ a similar strategy, although in this case they make their way to the shade found on the surface of mangroves. Other invertebrates including crabs will burrow into the marsh sediment and wait out for the next tide.

This is generally not an option for fish; once the water recedes they are trapped. A closer inspection of these channels areas revealed that one or two of the fish appeared to have buried themselves into the sediment. Saltmarsh specialists such as gobies do have burrows and are adapted to cope with heat and excess salt levels. But these fish were not gobies and perhaps this is a behaviour used by them to avoid a harsh death. There appears to be nothing in the literature about this behaviour and the author would be appreciative if any reader has come across this behaviour in the literature. Saltmarsh can be a harsh environment, especially during low tide at daytime. Invertebrates with their external shells and burrowing habits dominate here, but many species of fish will make their way onto the saltmarsh during high tides regardless of the risk. Another reason for us to appreciate the saltmarsh and do everything we can to preserve the remaining sections at Hays Inlet.

Working on our saltmarsh rehabilitation project, REF Inc has been working with its partners to control as much weed as possible around the large saltmarsh area at the end of the Silcock Street Reserve. Last week we were working with a team from Conservation Volunteers Australia when I noticed that the Osprey’s nest adjacent to the Redcliffe Golf Club has been diminished. The ospreys themselves were not to be seen anywhere.

This gave us a chance to reflect on their presence in the area. For the past four years they have provided a highlight for many visitors and volunteers to the project area. On a number of community days including bushcare and Green Army events the breeding pair looked down from their roost as if to approve the work being done to enhance the area. At different times we would often catch glimpses of their chicks (three sets from our count) or se one of the adult birds at their feeding tree with a fish caught from the adjacent Hays Inlet.​Their nest has disintegrated, although the tree is still strong and clear at the top. According to bird experts, they may well return and rebuild the nest in the near future. Alternatively they may have found a new roosting tree, hopefully nearby. One thing is for certain, we will be keeping our eyes out to see what happens next. They are an apex predator and have shown us that there are still fish to be caught in Hays Inlet. They are a fantastic bird to watch in the wild, for some a real privilege to see them go about their daily routine. They remind us why we care about the area, so let’s hope they rebuild their nest so we can enjoy their presence each time we visit the reserve. ​

Purple butterflies on a surf beach

Hays Inlet is well known for its birdlife and in particular waders. Many of the migrating birds have now left Moreton Bay to make their way to their Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds. They will return to our waters in September. In the meantime there are a still a number of residential wading birds including stilts, herons and spoonbills that will spend the autumn and winter months on the intertidal flats of Moreton Bay. One particularly versatile bird, the Pied Oystercatcher can not only be seen in the wetland areas like Hays Inlet but also along the surf beaches of the region including Moreton and Bribie islands as well as the Gold Coast and Sunshine coastlines.

I was fortunate to spend a few days at Noosa over the Easter break and by chance I had my camera on me when a pair of oystercatchers worked the ebbing tide. If you have ever tried to catch pipis, a bivalve mollusc located on the waterline of the surf, you will realise how difficult this task can be. Incredibly oystercatchers are able to work the breaking wave zone and locate and pull pipis out of the sand with regular monotony.

Of course finding pipis is one thing but being able to crack them open is another matter altogether, especially if you are a bird. Again these birds appear to find the task relatively easy. They insert their bill into the hapless bivalve and carry them to the beach, where they insert their beak further into the shell and then using mandibles like a knife they slice through the strong muscle of the mollusc before extracting them completely from their shells. And in no time at all they are feeding on a nutritious piece of protein, thanks to their fishing skills and well-equipped bills.​ And left on the beach are the two valves of the former pipi! Just minutes ago it was buried in the sand beneath the waves and now the only evidence of its existence is that familiar purple butterfly-like pair of valves. ​

World Water Day focuses attention the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene which is especially pertinent in developing countries. It is globally recognised by people and organisations and all members of the United Nations. It was originally proposed at a UN conference in 1992 and commenced on 22nd March 1993 (so this is the 25th World Water Day)! Although focused on the need for fresh and clean water the program also focuses on the management of freshwater resources.

This year the aim is to highlight the value of nature as a solution to improving water quality and access. That is nature-based solutions to the challenges we face in the 21st century. Examples or actions include:

“Planting trees to replenish forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands, is a sustainable and cost-effective way to help rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effects of climate change and improve human health and livelihoods.”

From a global perspective the world’s population is predicted to increase by 2 billion by 2050 and the global demand for water will increase by 30%.

Currently the world uses 70% for agriculture and irrigation, 20% is used by industry which leaves 10% for domestic use of which 1% is used for drinking water.

“Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the environment without being treated or reused.”

Impacts on the climate and environment

Here are some alarming facts:

The number of people at risk from floods is projected to rise from 1.2 billion today to around 1.6 billion in 2050 – nearly 20% of the world’s population.

Today, around 1.8 billion people are affected by land degradation and desertification. At least 65% of forested land is in a degraded state.

An estimated 64-71% of natural wetlands have been lost since 1900 as a result of human activity.

Soil erosion from croplands carries away 25 to 40 billion tonnes of topsoil every year, significantly reducing crop yields and the soil’s ability to regulate water, carbon and nutrients. The runoff, containing large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous, is also a major contributor to water pollution.

Think globally, act locally

There are other benefits to managing our water resources and some simple things worth doing at our own local:

Managing and improving the wetlands of Hays Inlet and Deception Bay – by maintaining the mangrove, saltmarsh and buffer regions (melaleuca and casuarina) and allowing runoff to be slowed down, filtered and a decrease in erosion – we can enhance biodiversity, fisheries production as well as provide an effective buffer against storm surges (which are predicted to increase in frequency and sea level over the next century). And saltmarsh and mangrove habitats have the capacity to absorb high levels of carbon.

Improve general forest areas and wherever possible plant trees in urban areas as well as semi-rural and conservation areas. Forest areas provide shade and can mitigate some heat sink effects associated with urban areas, particularly high density estates. They also provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, store carbon and provide aesthetic qualities to the landscape. Recent research has discovered that rainforest trees have the capacity to create rain through an atmospheric seeding process. So it is important that we preserve as much forest as possible within the Moreton Bay Region.

Finally managing our water use at the domestic level can also make a difference to the water quality of our waterways and Moreton Bay. Manage soil erosion and stormwater by making sure we water our gardens wisely, e.g. wash cars on the lawn rather than on driveways can all have an impact on our stormwater runoff. Ensuring our rubbish is binned appropriately, it’s amazing how much rubbish (especially plastics) ends up in our waterways and Moreton Bay.Volunteer for projects around landcare and waterways – e.g. making sure our creeks and waterways have the correct vegetation to prevent sediments entering our waterways and impacting on water quality.

A chance to reflect

World Water Day does give many of us a chance to reflect on the way we live our lives and to consider some of the activities we might engage in to improve water quality and access to clean water for all of us.

The committee for REF decided to target the Silcock Street site for Clean Up Australia Day rather than the more ”exposed” Hays Inlet areas such as the MacDonnell Road Reserve at Clontarf. This was REF’s 15t h Clean Up Australia Day! The committee members were joined by “Clean up regular”, Yvette D’Ath MP, our State Attorney General and long-time supporter of the Redcliffe Environmental Forum. Amongst the crowd of 45 volunteers for the day were some of the students of Deception Bay High School and their efforts and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated. The rubbish pick up was different to other days, with far less volume, but a lot of take way rubbish including drink containers and food wrappers. Picking up rubbish was difficult with heavy weed growth and undergrowth due to the heavy rain received over the past few weeks.Over 30 bags of rubbish were collected from the site. A number of volunteers enjoyed walking the eco-path walkway and the opportunity of seeing one of the resident Ospreys feeding on a recently caught whiting. ​The rubbish may not as been as extensive as some of the areas, but being so close to Hays Inlet, it was important to collect as much as possible. The next stop for the rubbish in this area is Moreton Bay. Overall, a very successful day and a big thank you to the people who made the effort last Sunday morning!

The daily news and media is full of stories on economic growth, underpinned by population growth that drives the need for higher levels of the development of natural and agricultural land to accommodate housing, industry and infrastructure.

At Redcliffe, we live in one of the highest urbanised areas in South east Queensland and these days you have to move to the fringe areas of Hays Inlet and Deception Bay to see any of the original habitat associated with our peninsula. We know in the past, Redcliffe was characterised by wetland habitats including freshwater swamps, Eucalypt forest and patches of remnant coastal rainforest. I was particularly struck by a quote from Constance Campbell Petrie (1904) who reflected on the changes to the area especially in reference to the diminishing forests and the ways of life of the original inhabitants of the land. I include a quote below:

If all the old aboriginals of Brisbane could come to life again they would not recognise their country – the country we have stolen from them. If they went hunting in the forests, where would be their spoil? – where, indeed, would they find the forests to hunt in? Oh! How they must have loved those forests, their forests…”God made the country, man made the town.” As the aboriginal hunted careless and free in those days long gone, little dreamed he of what his brother-white would do – little dreamed there was a brother-white.

The waters even have changed since those times. Dugong used to be very plentiful then, when there was nothing much in the way of disturbances. The aboriginals would catch them at Fisherman’s Island; at St Helena at a place near Dunwich they called “Gumpi,” at Bribie Passage and the mouth of the Pine River.

(Petrie, C.C 1904, page 66)

If Constance was live today (just over 110 years later) I wonder what she would think of Brisbane and Moreton Bay now. No doubt it would almost be unrecognisable to her.

Even now though, anyone can take a trip to one of the local highlands such as Lamington National Park or the D’Aguilar ranges, or head out to one of the sand islands and marvel at what would have once been a spectacular domain of forests, wetlands and blue waters and of course the amazing wildlife. We should treasure all of these places, the last remaining natural jewels in an urbanised landscape.

Further reading

Constance Campbell Petrie (1904) Tom Petrie’s reminiscences of early Queensland, first published by Watson, Ferguson and Co, reprinted by UQ Press in 1992

Deep River Bend Reserve on the Pine River is a public amenity including a boat ramp, barbecue and picnic areas and fishing platforms. It is adjacent to the Tinchi Tamba wetlands. In the same area there is also a walking track which allows the public to enjoy the variety of habitats and wildlife (particularly the birdlife) associated with this riverine system.

The track includes sections of boardwalk (in tidal areas such as mangroves and saltmarsh) along with clear pathways (made of road base in the higher areas and timber slatting in other areas where occasional flooding can occur such as in the stands of Casuarina).

The pathway is around 1.6 kilometres in distance and includes an extra pathway to a bird hide on the Bald Hills Creek. This structure allows participants to watch the local shorebirds roosting and feeding in the mangrove and tidal flat areas without the wildlife being disturbed. There is also some great examples of interpretive signage to help people understand the environment they are interacting with.

Winter and spring is a great time to check out this amenity and any visitor will be rewarded with the sights and sounds of the birdlife including scarlet honeyeaters, fantails and whistlers, kingfishers and the local wading birds.

The "Island Track" provide some examples of infrastructure that could be used for the Hays Inlet project. The pathway not only provides access for nature lovers, but also helps to keep traffic off the sensitive wetland areas.

What do you think? Is there anything else you feel might add to the design of the Hays Inlet project site? Let us know by posting a comment.